The past few years have been very promising for Florida State fans. Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell has completely transformed the program, narrowly missing out on the four-team College Football Playoffs in 2023.
Starting with a 3-6 record during the COVID-affected season in 2020, Norvell has rebuilt the program from the ground up. Success in the transfer portal and high school recruiting has the Seminoles projected to surpass double-digit wins once again. Assuming they achieve this, a bid to the ACC Championship is likely, positioning them for the expanded 12-team College Football Playoffs next season. However, their playoff ranking remains uncertain.
According to The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman, Florida State is projected to be a playoff team, potentially securing a No. 3 seed with a first-round bye.
“Despite losing many players to the NFL, Mike Norvell has a squad ready to reload and make the expanded postseason, especially after last season’s drama,” Feldman wrote. “Only eight starters return, but there’s buzz within the program about the readiness of new starters to break out.”
With strong transfers on both sides of the ball, the Seminoles are expected to have a solid defense again. During the 2023 season, the defense performed well even after Jordan Travis was injured.
“Patrick Payton leads a very talented defensive front with Georgia transfer Marvin Jones Jr. alongside him,” Feldman continued. “Jones Jr. is expected to have a monster season. Miami transfer Darrell Jackson is a significant presence. Watch out for CB Azareye’h Thomas, who could contend for All-America honors.”
Additionally, led by transfer quarterback DJ Uiagalelei, Florida State’s offense could be impressive once again.
“The big question is how effective DJ Uiagalelei will be. He’s back in the ACC after making strides at Oregon State,” Feldman wrote. “His running ability should fit well in Norvell’s system. Transfers Malik Benson and Roydell Williams (both from Alabama) and Jaylin Lucas (Indiana) will add a spark.”
The schedule sets up the Seminoles to finish with a strong record, including key games to prepare them for playoff and postseason football.
“The Noles play Clemson at home and have trips to Miami and Notre Dame, plus a game against a good Memphis team after a bye. A 10-2 record sounds reasonable, unless DJ U takes another big step,” Feldman said.
Expecting a significant leap from DJU is ambitious, but he has the talent around him to make it happen, making his season in Tallahassee an interesting one to watch.
